Hey ya''ll, I''m kinda new to all this and was wondering if ya''ll could give me some help. I have a couple questions that I hope some (or many) of you could answer. I''m sure others have these types of questions too. First heres some background. Currently I''m a senior in high school. I programmed with my oldest brother when I was really young on my old commodore 64. When we got a new computer I had no clue how to program until last year when I took a basic C++ class. This year I''m taking the advanced placement class. I feel that I know quite a few of the basics of C++. I own the intro version to Microsoft VC++. I really want to get into gaming and graphics and when I go off to college I''m going to be a computer science major. My first question is how much basic C++ should I know before I move on to something like OpenGL or Direct X? My second question is what types of programs are being used out there and where would I get them? I know of OpenGL and Direct X from this page but what programs are there for things like AI or scripting or animation? Also what are some good tutorials for all these. I looked at the OpenGL ones and Direct X and in fact I''ve been working through the OpenGL ones. Are there any good books out there that could aid in my quest to be a better programmer for things such as graphics, or direct x or AI etc.? Lastly, could someone kinda give me a little overview on how all this fits together. How can you get scripting to be used with OpenGL and create and AI for enemies etc.? I know I might sound a little stupid but all I am asking for is as much info as possible. I know ya''ll will have different opinions but I''m trying to come up with a consensus. I just have these wild ideas for RPG''s, and strategy games, etc. that I just want to code and create. Any and all help would be appreciated. Mat Doodah2001@hotmail.com Life is only as fun as you make it!!!

all u need is here on gamedev ...
u don''t know enough c++ basics
if u can''t figure out how to make a scripting engine.
do it one your own guy !

greetz
frank

-For your first question, you should know all the basic of C/C++ before you move onto anything related to game development, especially OpenGL or Direct X.

-OpenGL and Direct X are not programs they are APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)

-AI, Scripting and Animation (unless your talking about the actual graphics),etc... you will have to program yourself without an API. In a few cases you may be able to download libraries for sound or scripting, but basics such as animation you will have to do yourself.

-As for how it fits together, I can''t explain it. The best way to learn this is to work on a game.

-Your first game is gonna be something very simple, like Pong, keep your RPG and strategy game ideas for later. Also don''t start out with 3D graphics until you have a good understand of 2D and how a game is designed.

Digital Radiation